Emotional response to the diagnosis of breast cancer

How can a diagnosis affect you?

Any breast problem, even one that is minor in health terms, is likely to affect a woman psychologically and emotionally as well as physically. Very many women are sensitive about the shape and size of their breasts and breasts are an important aspect of any woman’s sexuality. A woman may be concerned about her partner’s likely reaction to any breast problem, as well as her own.

From your perspective, anything being wrong with your breasts may have a damaging effect on your self-image and so take on an importance way beyond its significance in pure health terms. Of course, no two women will react in exactly the same way and your reaction to any breast problem is unique, but knowing that these kinds of worries are normal may help to keep them in proportion.

Talking it over and getting support

Support from medical staff

Doctors and nurses who treat women regularly and manage a full range of breast problems are well aware of the psychological aspects of breast disease. Usually, they will ask about your emotional reactions and whether you have any worries that you would like to talk over and it really is worthwhile if asked to take the opportunity to raise anything that’s on your mind.

Some people find this difficult, perhaps feeling that nothing can be done to help or that they would be wasting the doctor’s or nurse’s time. This is very much not the case, and keeping your concerns to yourself is likely to do more harm than good in the long run. You should be offered support and advice by the doctors and nurses involved in your care.

Other sources of support

There are numerous support groups that can offer more for those who want it. In particular, there is a lot of help available for women who have breast cancer as well as for their families.

You should be offered the opportunity to meet and talk to others in a similar situation. This is usually someone who has had breast cancer treated successfully and has some training in helping other people cope. Breast Cancer Care offer this service and contact details are on page 221.

When it is a member of your family or close friend who has a serious condition such as breast cancer, it can be hard to express your worries and to seek emotional support for yourself.

It’s easy to believe that you shouldn’t compete with the patient’s needs for help even though you will have your own concerns and worries. Many of the self-help groups provide support for people in this situation.

KEY POINTS

• Breast conditions can often affect women psychologically and emotionally

• Do not keep your concerns to yourself but share them with your carers

• Support should be available from your doctors and nurses, and is also available from self-help groups